Re: Best brand coax and F connector for HD cable?

["BruceR" <br@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Your story points out that even cable systems need maintenance. Exterior
connectors - even the "gold" ones are not impervious to the elements and
certainly not air and water tight.  Not only do the connectors
themselves go bad but the copper center conductor can tarnish and build
up an insulating patina that will compromise signal quality. It's not a
bad idea to change any outdoor connectors every year or so. It's an even
better idea to house all connections in a raintight enclosure.
  The thing about TV and cable modem signals not being compatible is
nonsense. However, too many splitters will provide too weak a signal to
the modem. A good quality cable amp with two way capability can solve a
lot of problems. You can get the Electroline 2100 series (and several
other good brands like PCI & SVI) on ebay for about $30.


Yes you can.........switch to satellite.>
>
> I don't know the details of your problems with the cable company but
> I've had different results from different techs and what one guy
> claimed as gospel was dispelled by another. The guys that come to
> your house are generally trouble shooters with rudimentary skills and
> it's sheer luck to get someone who is actually knowledgeable beyond
> his work boundaries. I had a problem with my internet connection as
> well and the first two techs did exactly what you said and walked
> away. However, the third guy switched out the splitter that I was
> using at the wall and unhooked another splitter and a cable that I
> was using to run a TV signal into the comouter. He said that the TV
> and internet video signals were not compatible and that I would need
> a switch and use one or the other. He didn't have a technical
> explanation but it's worked perfectly since.
> I had techs to my house at least four times last year because my TV
> signal was deteriorating. They would see it and agree and then run
> tests and tweak stuff. It was always a lot better before they left
> but it would deteriorate within a week. The last guy that came out
> went immediately to the outside box and changed the connector when I
> told him what was happening. Apparently it had some crap built up and
> although the other guys had unhooked it and attached it to their
> equipment they never bothered to look at it. However, the handling
> would get it slightly cleaned resulting in the improved picture but
> it wasn't enough to keep it clear for more than a week or so. If he
> had never come by I would be hooked up to satellite by now.
> Bob Walker